Best source for 1957 Hydramatic rear main seal?

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Guys:

    Who has the best rear main seal for my 1957 Hydramatic?  I've noticed that over time my rear seal is leaking a good amount of fluid and spraying it down my undercarriage.  The way I discovered this was my trans was slipping at higher speeds.  I stopped, checked the fluid on the dipstick, and it was almost empty.  I topped it up and drove the rest of the way back to my storage unit.  I want to try and get this repaired before leaving it in storage over the winter. 

[Walter Youshock]

I'd try FATSCO in New Jersey.  Do you know anything about the history of your trans?  Was it ever rebuilt?

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Walter:

    According to the previous owner the trans was rebuilt but he didn't have any receipts for this as it was done by the previous owner.  Whether that's true or not is beyond me.  I don't think the trans needs to be rebuilt as it shifts fine with fluid

[Walter Youshock]

Just wondering how long ago it was done.  The gaskets turn to glass and are internally useless.

You'll also need a rear unit housing gasket since you have to remove the housing to replace the seal.  At least they were smart or kind enough to put a drain plug in the pan!!!  Whoever decided that transmissions don't need drain plugs should drown in an ocean of ATF...

[Bobby B]

Tim,
  I second Walter. Fatsco should have it. I have the convenience of being 15 minutes away from them, and it does come in handy.    They have A LOT of stuff for the older trannys….
                  Bobby

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Okay I'm going to grab a shop manual before getting into this but this should be an 1-2 hour job right?  I'll check with FATSCO about getting a gasket set for the rear seal and the rear housing.  I could strip the whole trans apart for other gaskets/clutches but I don't want to have to do that unless absolutely necessary.  Again the car shifts fine from 0-80

[Walter Youshock]

HAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!  ONE OR TWO HOURS!!!!!!!   

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Walter...I appreciate your humor but give me a realistic figure.  I have access to a full shop with lift and a mechanic with 30+ years experience

[Walter Youshock]

You might get it done in 2 hours.  At least you have access to a lift.  Hopefully your mechanic is familiar with the  X frame drive shaft and the trans housing.

[Bobby B]

You might get it done in 2 hours. 

Walter,
     That….IS Funny!    There's nothing on these cars that takes 2 hours except getting ready to go for a ride! I'm more of a realist who takes Murphy into consideration whenever I tackle something as simple as 101…..    
                                                           Bobby

     

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Well he's familiar with a variety of old cars...helped me work on my Buick with various projects.  I'll plan for a 5 hour ordeal at bare min.  Thanks for the advice fellas